1997 Toyota 4Runner

Asking Price Range

Estimated MPG

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), also known as "sticker" price, is a recommended selling price that automakers give a new car that is above the invoice price paid by the dealer. It is a price that does not include any options that can be added to a particular car style. When shown as a range, the prices are starting MSRPs, without options, for multiple styles for that model.

This price range reflects for-sale prices on Cars.com for this particular make, model and year.

These city and highway gas mileage estimates are for the model's standard trim configurations. Where there are optional features, packages or equipment that result in higher gas mileage, those fuel-economy estimates are not included here.

Best vehicle ever made

by DaveG from Seattle | September 15, 2014

I have owned numerous cars and trucks over the last 35 years and I must say that out of all of them, my '97 4runner has been the most reliable, least expensive to maintain and thoroughly enjoyable to drive. I bought it as a demo in '98 with 19k on it when my wife was pregnant with our daughter and we have owned it ever since. I recently gave the key to our now sixteen year old daughter who refuses to drive anything else. Recently, I put new shocks on it at 225,000 miles and have been through 3 sets of michelins but the only other thing I have done is service it regularly and replace the battery twice. We have gone on numerous family vacations with all our stuff and dogs in it. There are still no squeaks and rattles which is more than I can say about our 2014 Mazda6. These rigs were made in an era when Toyota decided to conquer the American market through quality and reliability and at a point in time where design and manufacturing techniques actually worked. You will not find this level of quality on the newer lineup. I would buy another one except I don't need it. Also, a friend of mine who recently traded in his very clean '98 4runner for a new Audi SUV told me that the Audi sales rep bought it off the lot for himself after the deal because he loved it.

Toyota is the best SUV I have driven and owned.

by sam from Quincy, Il | August 4, 2014

I have owned three different 4Runner Toyotas within 25 years. Never had a problem with any of them. The Toyota salespeople like to see me when I go in to sell my car and buy a new one. All of my 4Runners were in excellent condition, look like new and had low mileage on each one when it was time to trade it in for a new 4Runner.

Worst purchase I've ever made

by New Car Smell from Orange, Ca | April 8, 2014

I can honestly say this was the worst purchase I've ever made. I'd have been better off buying a used car. The thing is so cheaply made it's amazing how much they charge for these. After just 13k miles the interior already looked like a used plastic stereo from the 90's. The computer doesn't work properly and no matter how many times they reprogram it the engine doesn't feel right.

Older 4Runners rock!

by Avacado2go from Ashland, Oregon | March 14, 2014

I purchased my 4Runner new in 1996 and it's been running great for the last 18 years. It has never let me down through all kinds of terrain and weather. Even the white paint looks new after all these years.
I've driven the Runner on two cross-country trips with a third scheduled this year. Total cost of ownership is going down with each passing year and I will never sell this SUV.

2002 corolla

by David Essex from Deep river Connecticut | January 12, 2014

Just got this car for my daughter from a neighbor. Drove it for an hour and everything worked fine. Had heard these models use oil, checked on after running and no smoke, tailpipe was clean and emissions ct was recent. Like all cars if not maintained they start going downhill.

571000 km and still going...

by 4Runner Marthoner from | June 17, 2013

Bought the 1997 4Runner 2.7l, 4 cylinder, manual, new off the lot 16 yrs ago and drove it to the moon and back. It never gave up on me and I never gave up on it.
The first clutch lasted 320,000 km and the second is still going. Valves have finally worn out after 571,000km. May the parts live on in one of your 'Runners!

Best vehicle I've ever owned

by CruiserGuy from SE Massachusetts | February 3, 2013

I bought my truck with 79k miles and piled on another 170k in the next 7 years before I developed engine problems caused by a broken timing belt tensioner. I had a tough decision to make: Replace or repair? In the end, I could find nothing on the market that could touch the versatility and value that my truck represented and I opted for the repair (I found a replacement engine with 86k verified miles!). IMHO, this truck is the perfect blend of comfort, versatility, toughness and go-anywhere-fun. Now, if I could just move those dog-gone cup holders!

Older 4 Runner is Amazing!

by DEE from Los Angeles, cA | February 2, 2013

Not sure about the newer models but I had a 1998 and I would take it anything I threw at it and kept on ticking. I had it for 5 years and it never let me down. I did a lot of trip between LA and Seattle. This amazing suv was sold to my best friend in 2003. He is still driving now as of 2013.
The only major incident was the radiator blew because he never care to check coolant level or do regular oil change.

Mission in Africa

by TJ from UN Headquarters, New york | December 19, 2012

This car was given to me as a duty car by the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations when i served in the mission in Eritrea. I drove it for two years through very difficult mountainous terrain crossing the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea, often at 7500 feet in the mountains. Road handling is fantastic and i never experienced a breakdown. Acceleration made me feel like i could disappear in a cloud of dust if the rebels ever decided to chase..... . My present 2010 SUV from a rival maker is like plastic compared to this. Great piece of equipment